Many of you know that I've just spent a week in Italy for which I went for an amazing race. I had the great privilege of representing my running club - Italia Running Club at the
Sarnico Lovere Run.
Apart from being an amazingly beautiful course in a stunning area, I got to spend the time with my good friend and amazing runner, Michelle Lowry. (Stay tuned for a blog post about her soon - you will be blown away!)
In addition, I spent the few days before and after the race on my own in Milan.
Basically, I was in heaven.
Add to that, despite not feeling the best on the start line - I'd fallen over while running 10 days before the race and ended up with stitches, and by race day I had a cold - I ran faster than I ever dreamed I could. I finished 4th female in a time of 1.34.06 for the 25km run. Amazingly (well amazing to me anyway), I went through 21km in well under 80 minutes. Something I
never dreamed I could really do. I was absolutely stoked.
Michelle also ran so well to finish in a time of 1.36.53 and in 8th position. Last time she ran, Michelle finished 4th, but considering that she's now doing a PhD and has three sons, this is even more incredible. You can check out the full list of results
here.
I've got to say, the luxury of travelling to a race and having time to focus on just racing was amazing.
And as much as I love my family, having some time to myself (mostly spent shopping - but hey, it's Milan!!! Did anyone say
designer outlet stores??? What's girl to do!) was also great. I never really appreciated having time to myself until I had a child. I felt like I was young and backpacking again - except that this time I could actually afford to buy food and drink in bars! Amazing! Incredible! The
best thing ever!!
Here is what I got up to....
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Waiting to board my flight to Milan... practicing the first in a series of week long selfies. Can you tell I've finally discovered Instagram? |
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Pre-race warm up run in the beautiful and sunny Milan |
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Pre-race run with Michelle - we made it to Sarnico |
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The reason I look so happy in this photo is because I know I'm done running until the race start. |
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The obligatory pre-race finish line photo |
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We look so fit at the race pack pickup! |
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Practicing for when I really cross the finish line |
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Pre-race ham loading |
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Amazing food, though I don't think I've eaten quite so much ham in my entire life! |
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Obligatory pre-race gear shot. I'm such a newbie at getting an elite start that I still LOVE it when I get my own special number with my name on it. |
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Obligatory pre-race pretty nails; I'm pretty sure they make me run faster. |
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The start line on race day; wet, busy, crowded. |
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Pre-race; do we look nervous? You can barely see my scabby knees. |
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The top three finishers; I took this photo so that if I'm ever back at this race, I know what I'm aiming for. |
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Post-race; wet and cold but happy. |
And now the fun bit; post race EATING!!!
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Can anyone say happy? Chocolate affogato! Bliss! |
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Pretty happy about the size of the calzone |
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Obviously, I finished the entire thing and I also may have helped Michelle with a slice of her pizza. |
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I was still not too full for desert |
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Mmmmm pizza |
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Cake |
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Yet more desert |
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One of the best meals I've ever eaten. Love that lovely Milanese veal. |
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It just would not be Italy without chocolate! |
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Nor would it be Italy without appretivs! |
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Prosecco at the Armani Bamboo Bar. It had to be done. Plus the excellent Italian tradition of bringing snacks to accompany drinks meant I didn't need dinner. Amazing! |
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Incredibly decedent afternoon tea on my last afternoon in Milan. |
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Far out! I love coffee! |
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Proof I did not just sit in cafes and bars; Michelle took us to Bergamo post race; that girl has got energy! I was trying to avoid walking. |
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We also went to Como and Bellagio on Lake Como; possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. |
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Beautiful Bellagio |
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After Michelle left, I concede that I spent a lot of time, sitting down in cafes. My legs were tired. |
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The view from my hotel window in Milan; so Italian! |
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Proof I did more than shop and eat! The Duomo in Milan. |
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I may have bought shoes at D&G.... (though only at the outlet!) |
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Maybe also at Gucci. I had no choice. I saw them, and they were so cheap. I was like, "C'mon! I have to!" I used all my willpower in the race. I had none left over to resist spending money on shoes. |
I had a cold last week and the health care industry helped me a lot.
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